Chef's World Series: Remy Martin tasting event

While the spirit can only be made in the Cognac region of south-west France, Rémy Martin has travelled a long way since it was first barrelled in 1724 – from old-school marker of taste to street-wise status symbol, but keeping its feet in both camps. The star of this special Condé Nast Traveller event is Rémy Martin XO, a wonderfully mellow, spicy blend of up to 400 eaux-de-vie crafted from Grande Champagne and Petite Champagne grapes. The XO Revealed Experience takes place at The London Edition hotel which, since it opened in 2013, has been at the heart of the West End’s social scene. This interactive, immersive event will demonstrate there’s far more to the spirit than swirling it around in a balloon glass with an ice cube.

It will broaden guests’ sensory horizons and let them explore different flavour sensations when sampling the Rémy Martin cognac with various foods, such as macarons, pistachio cake, fresh figs and aged Parmesan, led by a UK brand ambassador who will reveal delicious pairings for entertaining at home. And if you want to try a cocktail before heading out, a cognac Old-Fashioned can be made simply by muddling a sugar cube and Angostura bitters with a measure of XO, then adding ice and stirring – a classic that’s been around for about 120 years but still hits all the right notes.